Seventeen days after the Indian Air Force struck Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase on the night of 9 May, the site remains non-operational.
A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issue for the airstrip now extended until 6 June, indicating continued disruption.
In stark contrast, during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, it had taken the women of Bhuj just 72 hours to restore functionality to their bombed airstrip a remarkable act of bravery and national spirit that Prime Minister Modi proudly recalled during his visit to the city on Monday.
A Salute To Heroes Of 1971
During his address in Bhuj, PM Modi honoured the women who repaired the bomb-damaged airstrip in 1971, despite overwhelming odds.
Most of them were local villagers, yet over 300 women took on the monumental task of rebuilding the airbase, enabling the Indian Air Force to resume crucial operations swiftly.
“These mothers and sisters rebuilt the runway in just 72 hours, defeating Pakistan’s intentions,” PM Modi said from the stage, after inviting the women to join him publicly.
Honour, Blessings And A Symbolic Gift
PM Modi received blessings from the now-elderly women and accepted a sapling from them as a token of gratitude and legacy.
He called it a ‘Sindoor’ plant and pledged to plant it at his official residence.
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“Mothers and sisters, this sapling you’ve given me will now be planted at the PM House. It will grow into a banyan tree a symbol of strength and endurance,” PM Modi declared.
Legacy Of The Bhuj Women
The rapid repair of the Bhuj airstrip during wartime remains one of the most inspiring chapters of India’s military history.
The act not only restored vital air operations but significantly altered the course of the conflict, contributing to India’s eventual victory over Pakistan.
PM Modi later reflected on the moment and wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “In Bhuj, I felt overwhelmed as I received the blessings of the brave women of Kutch who showed incredible courage and determination during the 1971 war with Pakistan.”
भुज में कच्छ की उन वीरांगनाओं का आशीर्वाद पाकर भावविभोर हो गया, जिन्होंने साल 1971 में पाकिस्तान के साथ हुए युद्ध में अद्भुत साहस और संकल्प दिखाया था। pic.twitter.com/w081f0EKjs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2025
A Call For Firm Action
One of the honoured women, Kanbai Shivji Hirani, spoke to journalists earlier in the month. Linking past and present, she referenced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed confidence that PM Modi would respond decisively.
“Back then, we rebuilt the runway for the sake of our country. Today, Pakistan’s actions are again unacceptable. PM Modi should cut their water and food supply. That’s the only language they understand,” she stated resolutely.
Echoes Of History And A Message For The Future
PM Modi closed his Bhuj speech by highlighting the indomitable spirit of these women: “Pakistan believed in 1971 that they had destroyed our airbase. But our sisters performed a miracle. They showed the world what courage truly means.”
With the Rahim Yar Khan airbase still grounded, the memory of Bhuj’s women stands as a testament to resilience and a reminder that determination, not despair, defines India’s spirit.
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